Why You Should Not Eat Leftover Food?

By Vanshika Gaur
02 Jun 2025, 21:00 IST

Eating leftover food is a great way to reduce food waste and provide ready-to-eat meals for later. However, eating leftovers can be harmful to our health, as it can have several disadvantages. Tap to know them!

Food Poisoning

If leftovers are left at room temperature for too long, they can harbour bacteria, such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and more, which can cause food poisoning.

Illness

Sometimes, food can harbour harmful bacteria that cannot be destroyed even after reheating, causing severe illness.

Digestive Issues

Eating improperly stored leftovers can irritate the stomach lining, leading to bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Loss of Nutrients

Leftover foods, especially vegetables, can lose their nutritional value through reheating and storing.

Allergies

When we reheat the food, it can sometimes develop new protein structures, which can trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, leftover foods can cause food poisoning and severe illness as they may develop harmful bacteria like E. Coli, and more. It is advisable to consult a dietitian for personalised suggestions.